9th grade Social Studies practice sheet

Question 1

Which principle lets each branch limit the others?

• checks and balances
• laissez-faire
• manifest destiny
• judicial restraint

Question 2

How long is a president's term?

• 8 years
• 4 years
• 6 years
• 2 years

Question 3

The 26th Amendment (1971)…

• Ended slavery
• Lowered the voting age to 18
• Created the Senate
• Gave women the vote

Question 4

How many justices sit on the US Supreme Court?

• 12
• 50
• 9
• 7

Question 5

What is a ballot measure?

• A tax receipt
• A poll
• A candidate's speech
• A question on the ballot that voters decide directly

Question 6

What is an amendment to a bill?

• A change to the bill's wording before it passes
• A constitutional amendment
• A court case
• A veto

Question 7

Which source is most likely biased on a ballot measure?

• The text of the measure itself
• An ad paid for by one side's campaign
• A nonpartisan fact-check
• The official voters' pamphlet's neutral explanation

Question 8

A confederation, like the US under the Articles, has…

• no member states
• a weak central government and strong member states
• a strong central government

Question 9

California's direct democracy features were added in 1911 during the…

• colonial era
• Progressive Era
• Civil War
• Gold Rush

Question 10

Agenda setting means the media…

• influences which issues people think about
• writes laws
• appoints judges
• counts votes